UCF took two one-run leads and had control over the game early against the No. 11 Florida State. Then the Seminoles offense took over and became too much in a five-run third inning. That proved to be enough as the Knights fell 7-2 in Tallahassee on Tuesday.
The Knights got a solo home run from leadoff man Luke Hamblin to go up 2-1 in the third inning. They scored on two doubles from Eli Putnam and Eugene Vasquez in the first inning for a quick 1-0 lead.
The Seminoles had an answer though and got to Juan Pimentel in the third inning.
Pimentel gave up two doubles and a walk to give up the tying run and then gave up a two-RBI single and another double to give up five runs on five hits in the third inning.
Pimentel calmed down the rest of the game to finish with 11 hits and six earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. The Knights needed their starter to go deep into the game with the bullpen stretched thin after the weekend. This has been a continued problem throughout the season.
Against a high-powered team like Florida State, that proved to be a problem. Pimentel just could not get the outs he needed to maintain the lead as Florida State got its bats going.
UCF did chase Florida State starter Tyler Holton from the game after two innings. The Knights tallied five hits, but four came in those first three innings as Jim Voyles shut the door to improve to 2-0 on the season.
UCF has one more game with Florida State scheduled for Wednesday to complete the series in Tallahassee.
